Final Section of M50 Motorway Opened

30th June 2005

"M50 central to economic success of Irish economy" – Minister Cullen
The Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen T.D. today (30th June, 2005) opened the final section of the M50 Motorway. The Minister was joined at the event by NRA Chairman, Mr Peter Malone.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Cullen said: "The opening today of this the final link of the M50 means we can offer people a high quality, high spec connection from the M1 at Dundalk, County Louth to Rathnew, County Wicklow.  At a more local level, residents of the areas surrounding the stretch of motorway that we are opening today will doubtless be glad to see their neighbourhoods being freed from the traffic snarls of recent months.

Also speaking at the opening, NRA Chairman, Peter Malone commented that:  "The South Eastern Motorway is hugely significant in motoring terms because it completes the M50 C-Ring. Used daily by 100,000 motorists it will now link all of the radial routes from Dublin spreading across the country from the M1 to the N11 with high quality motorway.

"The completion of the final section of the M50 C-Ring represents a giant step forward in the development of the national road network, resulting in a positive effect on the environment and safety in the greater Dublin area .It also means that motorists can now travel in greater safety and comfort on 155km of motorway from Rathnew on the N11 to Dundalk on the M1. This connection will prove greatly beneficial breathing new life into local communities along its route.

"Another major project opening over the next 12 months is the M4 Kilcock/Kinnegad motorway, which will improve access to the west and northwest. 
"A top class road network, which feeds the entire country, plays a crucial role in contributing to Irish business and industrial competitiveness. The National Roads Authority has played a key role in making this become a reality for Ireland by completing 350km of high quality roadway since the beginning of the NDP in 2000", Mr Malone concluded.

This project was financed by the Irish Government under the NDP, 2000-2006 and part funded through the European Cohesion Fund.